Question:
How frequently do I need to weigh in?
I am currently on a Dr. supervised diet as part of the requirement for AETNA. How often do I need to weigh in to make them happy? Also, he prescribed Xenical, and told me to try and see how I do with it, but it gives me terrible cramping, regardless of what I eat. Will it hurt my chances for approval if I choose not to take the meds? thanks Chris — Chris B. (posted on August 31, 2003)
August 31, 2003
I will probably get bashed for this suggestion. However, how will your
doctor know if you are actually taking the meds? Just fill the prescription
and don't take them. That way, your insurance will see that you have had
them filled. As far as the weigh-in frequency, that is something I would
double-check with Aetna. I wouldn't want them to come back later and say
you didn't meet the requirement because you weren't weighed frequently
enough. Then you would have to start all over. Shelley
— Shelley.
August 31, 2003
Honestly if they made me sick I wouldn't take them either....lol
— Saxbyd
August 31, 2003
I agree that you need to call Aetna and do everything they ask you to do
including how often you're supposed to weigh in. That way there won't be
an opportunity for delays or denial. You can ask if Aetna wants you to
take the meds, or if it's just an idea of the doctor. If it's just the
doctor, then you can tell him it's making you feel bad and you don't intend
to take anymore. I'm guessing it won't be a problem. I'm not going to
flame anyone for making a suggestion, but I do want to warn you that if
you're prescribed something that's supposed to promote weight loss and you
instead gain, then it's not unreasonable for the insurance agency and/or
the doctor to know you're not telling the truth. Might not be something
you want them to think at the beginning of an attempt to get an approval.
I'm just saying be careful is all. Happy holiday to everyone. S
— sherry hedgecock
August 31, 2003
Hi, Chris: I would think that weekly weighing would be sufficient; your
doctor shouldn't charge an office fee for you to just go in and weigh and
have it noted on your chart. As far as the Xenical goes, I would tell your
doctor that it is causing horrible cramping and that you just can't
tolerate it; make sure he notes that in your chart as well. Make sure he
knows that you are not just discontinuing it because you don't want to take
it, but that it truly causes pain. I know Xenical causes cramping and
diarrhea, that's the reason my doctor wouldn't prescribe it for me; I
already have IBS and spastic colon. Perhaps he could try you on Meridia
instead, if you haven't already tried it. I wish you the best of luck with
this!
— Moysa B.
August 31, 2003
Also verify with Aetna that as part of the doctor supervised diet that they
do not require dietician/nutritional consults on a regular basis and proof
of an exercise program. I know nothing about Aetna's requirements but when
I got BC/BS to pay for Redux back in 1996 they wanted a comprehensive diet
plan. So I had to be followed at least monthly by my internist and I was
referred to a dietician to develop an eating plan and saw her weekly and my
doctor had to map out what he expected for exercise. I did not have to
prove the exercise one way or another but they required that all of this
info be in the letter from my internist when he requested coverage of the
drug. Because I qualified as MO my insurance would cover it. They even
approved a 2nd 6 months, but I quit due to causing other problems.
<p>I just would not want you to go through all this only for them to
find some loop hole. Are you aware that you can apply for approval now
before your diet attempt is up as long as you complete it before surgery
occurs. I just read that in another Q&A the other day. At least it
helps to get surgery sooner. Good Luck and I hope you get approval with no
hassles.
<p>I refer to my sentence on Xenical as the nightmare from he!!. 2
months was all I could take. No matter how much or little fat I ate I had
problems and the stench in the bathroom for hours after I went was enough
to knock me out. I much prefer things the way they are now. Like the
others said though, get it documented that you are having problems.
— zoedogcbr
August 31, 2003
I too am on the 6mo Dr diet supervised and I was told to have 6mo of chart
notes of me dieting and weigh in and excersieing..so I go in once a month
around the same time and get a check in..a weight and talk about what i'm
doing..also did you have your dietian yet? that was another big thing they
asked about..just make sure your q's and p's are in check..so there's no
denial on your part..remember also..you can get preapproval now before your
6mo is up...yeahhh!!! good luck!!!
— por2geegurl
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